Product Description

The VAIO AR790 notebook is a multimedia powerhouse with DVR capabilities and a 17¿ widescreen display with XBRITE-HiColor LCD technology. Featuring an Intel Core 2 Duo T8100 processor and a 400GB hard drive, the AR760 notebook is a super-powerful notebook. Watch and record in stunning Blu-ray Disc format and even watch, record and manage cable TV content. This beautifully designed notebook also lets you watch and record TV, including high-definition and premium channels. And enjoy the convenience of the Windows Vista Ultimate operating system and its robust performance and entertainment features that complement the AR series.

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Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1692 in Personal Computers
• Color: Black
• Brand: Sony
• Model: VGN-AR790U/B
• Dimensions: 1.32" h x 16.40" w x 11.80" l, 8.40 pounds
• CPU: Intel Core Duo 2.5 GHz
• Memory: 4000MB DDR2 SDRAM
• Hard Disk: 400GB
• Processors: 2
• Native resolution: 17
• Display size: 17

Features

• Multimedia studio notebook with 17-inch XBRITE-HiColor LCD and 1.3-megapixel webcam
• 2.50 GHz "Penryn" Intel Core 2 Duo T9300 processor, 400 GB hard drive, 4 GB RAM (max), Blu-Ray Disc read/write (as well as DVD and CD burning)
• Quad-mode Wi-Fi (802.11a/b/g/n); Bluetooth; Gigabit Ethernet; Nvidia GeForce 8600M graphics (up to 1791 MB of available memory)
• Connectivity: 3 USB, 1 FireWire, 1 HDMI, 1 VGA, 1 S-Video, 1 ExpressCard 34/54, Memory Stick/SD memory card reader
• Pre-installed with Windows Vista Home Ultimate (with Premium and Business capabilities)

Amazon.com Product Description
The luxuriously designed Sony VAIO VGN-AR790U/B Digital Studio notebook PC provides a power multimedia computer platform for enhanced entertainment performance. But it can also be admired for its gorgeously appointed design, featuring a black exterior, sleek profile, and interfaces and ports that are easily accessible yet discreetly integrated. It features a 17-inch WUXGA widescreen XBRITE-HiColor LCD screen with a 1920 x 1200-pixel resolution, and video is powered by the Nvidia GeForce 8600M graphics card, with 512 MB of dedicated video memory. It offers high-definition Blu-ray Disc read/write capability, supporting full 1080p HD video as well as up to 5.1 discrete channels of uncompressed digital audio. It's backwards-compatible with standard DVDs and CDs, enabling you to enjoy your digital library for years to come. The optical drive can also write a full range of disc formats, including dual-layer DVD discs.

In addition to its computing prowess, this notebook also doubles as a 17-inch LCD HDTV thanks to the included ATI TV Wonder digital cable tuner, which enables you to watch and record premium HD digital cable content. It offers NTSC (standard) and ATSC (high-definition) tuners as well as Cable Card support.

It's powered by the 2.5 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo T9300 processor, which offers a top-of-the-line 800 MHz front-side bus speed and 6 MB L2 cache. Part of Intel's 45-nanometer (nm) Penryn series, this processor boosts speed, reduces power requirements, and saves on battery life. The Core 2 Duo processor provides an optimized, multithreaded architecture for improved gaming and multitasking performance. It also includes Intel's 4965 AGN wireless LAN, which will connect to draft 802.11n routers and offers compatibility with 802.11a/b/g networks as well. Other features include a 400 GB hard drive, 4 GB of installed RAM (maximum capacity), Gigabit Ethernet, both PCMCIA and ExpressCard slots, and Memory Stick/SD memory cart slot. The integrated 1.3-megapixel WebCam (and integrated microphone) provides easy video conferencing via VoIP and video IM chats.

Microsoft Windows Vista Ultimate combines all the features of Windows Vista Premium and Vista Business as well as adds extras such as multi-language packs and Secure Online Key Backup. It offers all of the features found in Windows Vista Home Premium, including Windows Media Center, Windows Movie Maker with high-definition support, and Windows DVD Maker. It also provides all of the features found in Windows Vista Business, including business networking, centralized management tools, and advanced system backup features. Vista also integrates new search tools throughout the operating system, includes new parental control features, and offers new tools that can warn you of impending hardware failures.

The Basics

• Processor: Experience improved energy efficiency, expanded wireless connectivity, and amazing battery life with the 45nm Penryn series Intel Core 2 Duo T9300 processor, which has a 2.50 GHz processor speed, super-fast 800 MHz front-side bus (FSB), and a super-sized 6 MB L2 cache. (An L2, or secondary, cache temporarily stores data; and a larger L2 cache can help speed up your system's performance. The FSB carries data between the CPU and RAM, and a faster front-side bus will deliver better overall performance.) The new hafnium-infused circuitry--which reduces electrical current leakage in transistors--conserves even more energy, giving you more time away from the wall outlet. And you'll be able to encode video on-the-go and watch HD movies with Intel HD Boost.

  The Intel Core 2 Duo processor has two computational execution cores in a single processor, providing greater system response when running multi-threaded applications simultaneously with no significant increase in power consumption. It's optimized for multitasking and is ready to support the Microsoft Windows Vista operating system. It can simultaneously run multiple demanding applications--such as graphics-intensive games or serious number-crunching business productivity applications--while downloading music or running virus-scanning security programs in the background. Some of the advanced Intel innovations of the Core 2 Duo processor include:

  • Smart Memory Access: Improves system performance by hiding memory latency, thus optimizing the use of available computer data bandwidth to provide data to the processor when and where it is needed.
  • Advanced Digital Media Boost: Effectively doubles the execution speed for instructions used widely in multimedia and graphics applications.
  • Dynamic Power Coordination: Coordinates Enhanced Intel SpeedStep Technology and idle power-management state (C-states) transitions independently per core to help save power.
  • Deeper Sleep with Dynamic Cache Sizing: Saves power by flushing cache data to system memory during periods of inactivity to lower CPU voltage.

• Hard Drive: The large 400 GB Serial ATA hard drive (5400 RPM) provides more than enough capacity for storing a large audio and video library, as well as extra space required for video editing. This SATA hard drive also quickens the pace with a higher speed transfer of data--akin to FireWire and USB 2.0.

• Memory: The 4 GB of installed RAM (PC5300, 1 x 2 GB, 2 x 2 GB) maximizes the capacity for this notebook, and also offers a top-of-class 667 MHz speed.

• DVD/CD Drive: This Sony digital studio notebook is capable of both playing back Blu-ray Disc movies in stunning clarity, as well as burning HD Camcorder content in its original 1080p high-definition resolution to BD-RE/BD-RE DL (dual layer) discs (25 GB single layer disc to 50 GB on a double layer disc). It will also play your current library of purchased and burned disc content. This notebook can also write standard DVD and CD media. The BD drive offers 2x speed for reading and writing BD-RE discs, 1x BD-RE DL writing, as well as offering the following read speeds: 2x BD-R/BD-RE and 1.6x BD-R/RE DL. It also offers the following write speeds for standard DVD and CD discs: 2.4x DVD+R DL, 2x DVD-R DL, 8x for single-layer DVD+R and DVD-R, 8x DVD+RW, 4x DVD-RW, 8x CD-R/RW, and 5x for DVD-RAM.

• Keyboard & Mouse: This notebook has a standard 86-key keyboard (2.5mm stroke and 19.05mm pitch) and electro-static two-button touchpad.

Screen, Video & Audio
This notebook offers a 17-inch screen with a widescreen 1920 x 1200-pixel resolution. And thanks to Sony's XBRITE-HiColor panel technology, the flat-panel screen will deliver dazzling colors and sharp images whether displaying a DVD movie, television show, or web content. It delivers deep blacks and bright whites, true-to-life color, and razor-sharp detail. And with a glare filter and anti-reflective coating to minimize reflection, you'll experience a beautifully clear image.

Video is powered by the Nvidia GeForce 8600M graphics card, which provides up to 1791 MB of available RAM/video memory (with 512 MB dedicated) for unmatched HD video performance on a notebook PC. With support for Microsoft DirectX 10 Shader Model 4.0 and High Dynamic-Range Lighting (HDR), the 8400M lets you rip through all of today's most advanced and cutting-edge games and applications. Experience real-time photo editing, or immerse yourself in the most complex, true-to-life gaming environments. The audio card includes Sony Sound Reality technology with DSD (Direct Stream Digital) support.

Using the included ATI TV Wonder, you can receive NTSC (standard broadcast) and ATSC (digital, HD) signals as well as get digital cable channels with the Cable Card (available from compatible cable services). It also includes stereo speakers (3 watts apiece for 6 watts of total power) and an internal 5-watt subwoofer. The audio card includes Sony Sound Reality technology with DSD (Direct Stream Digital) support.

Networking, Connectivity & Expansion
Be ready for the next platform in wireless connectivity with the integrated quad-mode Intel Wireless 4965AGN Wi-Fi chip. Based on the draft 802.11n Wi-Fi specification, it offers up to five times the performance and twice the wireless range as existing 802.11g wireless. It's also backward compatible with 802.11b/g networks (commonly found in home routers and Wi-Fi hotspots) as well as 802.11a networks (which has a higher throughput, but more limited range--great for closed office environments). You also get super-fast wired connectivity, with a Gigabit Ethernet port (10/100/1000).

With the Bluetooth connectivity, you can communicate and synchronize with Bluetooth-enabled peripherals such as PDAs and cell phones. This notebook also includes a next-generation ExpressCard 54 card slot (as well as a PCMCIA slot), which lets you take advantage of thinner, faster, and lighter expansion cards for even more advanced wireless, networking, storage, and security features. Here's the full list of connectivity options:

• 3 USB 2.0 ports for connecting a wide range of peripherals--from digital cameras to MP3 players
• 1 FireWire (also known as IEEE 1394 or i.Link) port for connecting digital video camcorders and other peripherals
• 1 HDMI output (for connecting to a compatible HDTV or home theater receiver for uncompressed digital audio and video via a single cable)
• Analog video output: 1 VGA, 1 S-Video
• 1 ExpressCard/54 slot (also compatible with ExpressCard/34)
• 1 PCMCIA (or PC Card) slot (Type I/II, CardBus support)
• Memory card reader supports Memory Stick/Memory Stick DUO (with MagicGate functionality) and Secure Digital media
• 1 headphone jack, 1 microphone jack
• 1 S/PDIF digital audio out (for connecting to a home theater receiver for 5.1-channel surround sound)
• Integrated 56K modem (V.90)

Operating System
The Windows Vista Ultimate operating system has it all--an advanced, business-focused infrastructure, mobile productivity, and premium home digital entertainment features. It offers all of the features found in Windows Vista Home Premium, including Windows Media Center, Windows Movie Maker with high-definition support, and Windows DVD Maker. It also provides all of the features found in Windows Vista Business, including business networking, centralized management tools, and advanced system backup features. In addition, Windows Vista Ultimate includes Extras such as:

• Windows Hold'em, a poker game for players of all skill levels
• Language packs for Windows multi-language interface, where users can install and use multiple languages on a single PC. Great for multi-lingual households or if you are learning a new language.
• Secure Online Key Backup, where Ultimate users can store their BitLocker recovery password and Encrypting File System certificate on Windows Marketplace's Digital Locker website for access to the key anytime, anyplace, and from any computer that has an Internet connection
• BitLocker Drive Preparation Tool, an automated tool which removes the complexity of setting up your PC to use this exclusive data security feature.

Every edition of Windows Vista provides the essential tools and technologies to help protect you whether you are browsing the Internet, connecting to a wireless network, or just reading e-mail. All editions of Windows Vista include new tools that can warn you of impending hardware failures long before you have lost any important personal data. And, all Windows Vista editions include parental control features that allow you to manage and monitor your family's use of games, the Internet, instant messaging, and other activities.

Preloaded Software
Includes Sony Click to Disc (for easy DVD creation), Microsoft Works SE 9.0, Microsoft Office 2007 (60-day trial), Symantec Norton 360 All-In-One Security (with 60 days of Live Update).

Dimensions & Weight
This notebook measures 16.4 x 11.8 x 1.32 inches (WxDxH) and weighs 8.3 pounds.

Power
It's powered by the VGP-BPS9/B rechargeable lithium-ion battery, which has a battery life of between 1.5 and 3.5 hours (depending on usage).

What's in the Box
This package contains the VGN-AR790U/B notebook PC, rechargeable lithium-ion battery, AC adapter, and operating instructions. It is backed by a one-year limited hardware warranty, and Sony offers 1-year of toll-free telephone technical assistance.

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Customer Reviews

Very Fast Very Large laptop
[Review of "Sony VAIO VGN-AR750E/B 17" Digital Studio Laptop (Intel Core 2 Duo T8100 Processor, 4 GB RAM, 320 GB Hard Drive, Vista Premium)"]

This is my 6th laptop and my 2nd Sony VAIO. I've had zero problems with it other than learning VISTA's unique characteristics. It is capable of running graphics-intense PC games as well as a desktop (examples include City of Heroes and Neverwinter Nights 2) with most graphics features turned on, though a high-end desktop will probably be cheaper and have a larger screen than this. 320 MB is a ton of disk space (two 160 MB drives in a RAID array), and I've only managed to use up a third of that so far.

The LCD screen is large, high-quality and bright, and lacks that washed-out appearance that is common in others. Both Blu-Ray and normal DVDs look great, and of course the same applies to the games.

It's also more than capable of handling work-related tasks, including a full Visual Studio .NET development environment, and has more than enough memory to load and unload applications quickly. Yes, only 3 MB of the 4 MB of RAM is available to the 32-bit OS, but the other 1 MB is available to the NVidia video card - 512 MB on the card itself, with 1279 MB available system memory, for a total of 1791 MB.

Overall, I was looking for a notebook with a large, bright screen, plenty of horsepower and memory, that would be both a portable multimedia box and have the power of a desktop. This product fits those expectations.

As for flaws, there are but a few, and those flaws are perhaps better regarded as trade-offs than as flaws, per se. The primary trade-off is that this is a big, heavy machine, and runs moderately hot. A lighter machine that runs cooler would have a 13-14" screen and be significantly slower. You'll think twice before packing it to travel by air (doable, but most business travelers would choose a smaller, lighter, slower PC than this). Another trade-off is that if you're still on Windows XP, Windows VISTA will feel very different, and since VISTA is newer, there are more bugs to iron out. Personally, I've run into very few VISTA issues, mainly dealing with having to "Run as Administrator" to get things done. Finally, given the large amount of space available, the keyboard is of a normal, small laptop size - it would have been nice to have a larger keyboard, or perhaps a keypad given the extra space.

I'd recommend this machine to anyone else. I've owned it since 2/26/2008, and I'm using it to write this review.

[Note that Amazon groups reviews for products such as these. This review is for the model I specify at the beginning. Other reviews may be for slightly different models/configurations.]

Very good desktop replacement system
I decided to purchase a new laptop after my old laptop was taken over by the family for a variety of tasks. I was mostly happy with the system I had, a nice HP Pavilion system with a decent feature set, but considering that it is 2-3 years old and does not run everything I want to run anymore I wanted to make my upgrade to a new system worthwhile. In researching I found this particular system and I pounced on it, as I found it at a steal of a price. It is not perfect, but there is an awful lot in this notebook.

My very first notebook was a Sony Vaio, so I imagined that this would be familiar territory. I was greatly mistaken, as things have changed dramatically since then, mostly for the better.

First off, this is a fast system with lots of expansion room. This is very important to me because I do a little bit of everything - I do some gaming, I write software, I write short stories, I hang out online. I am not considered a power user in that regard so an AlienWare ultra-high-powered expensive gaming rig is not really what I need, but I don't need an entry-level system that is good for little more than checking email either. My needs are for a well-rounded machine that can do most things well. This notebook fits that need.

I am especially impressed with the bright, large screen. I do occasionally toss a movie DVD into the system and treat myself to a private showing of whatever movie I have chosen, and all of that screen real estate makes for an enjoyable experience.

As for DVDs... With Blu-ray built into this system, watching new media movies is not a concern. That's a very nice plus.

I like the fact that this system has two individual hard drives instead of one large one, as I want to create a dual-boot system and not wipe out the whole thing. I was unaware of this when I purchased the system, thinking I had a unified drive, though that was an oversight - the labeling and documentation are clear.

The system comes with 3 GB RAM, expandable to 4. Up to this point things seem to be comfortable in that amount of room.

My first task was to strip off the trial software I don't want or need, which includes MS Office 2007, Webroot SpySweeper and Norton 360. Some people will appreciate these applications but for me they are in the way and clutter the hard drive with unneeded stuff. If these applications were full-release apps with more than 30-90 days of use, I likely would keep them all but in my case I already have licensed software to use that meet the same needs.

The documentation states that there is a firewire port, a VGA port and an S-Video port, and it took searching the web for a manual with technical diagrams to reveal that these are hidden on the right side, under a cover. Nothing that came with the system says where to find those ports, and the cover that conceals these ports blends in well enough to truly hide them - I did not find them without help.

Even more concerning to me is the number and placement of the USB ports. There is one on the back, and two on the right side close to the front edge. I work with an external mouse but I use the built-in keyboard, and I am right-handed. So, if I plug anything at all into those two front edge USB ports, the cords interfere with my mouse use. The solution, then, is to plug a 4-port hub in the back and then plug everything in there.

The built-in speakers are all right, though nothing special. If you want better speakers plug them in and all is well. That said, the built-ins are quite acceptable for most use. You would not want to use them for listening to symphony music, of course, but they're just fine for gaming and general music.

I am very pleased with the graphics. My litmus test for gaming is Neverwinter Nights 1 & 2, and both of these play quite smoothly. I have not loaded up Unreal Tournament 3 yet - that's next - but it should have no difficulty at all with that game.

I did run into one problem that required a call to Sony technical support. Because Sony does not include recovery media with their systems, it is up to the owner to create them and Sony makes it easy with included utilities. There are two options for creating the media - 1 dual-layer DVD or 2 single-layer DVDs. I chose the single dual-layer and after an hour of writing and grinding, the DVD ejected and the system said the creation failed. Assuming it was the target medium, I tried again with the same result. I called Sony thinking I needed to request the recovery DVDs and the technician told me that the single-layer DVD creation would work but that a glitch with this specific model prevents the dual-layer media creation from working. When I used two single-layer DVDs, everything created without a hitch.

This brings up a good point. Some places provide horrible service with operators that no one can understand. I got through in a reasonable amount of time (it was 5am but I still had a brief wait) and I got a very pleasant fellow who was very easy to understand (he did have and accent, though I could not place it) and was very helpful.

This is my desktop replacement system. It does everything I need it to do, it works well and it has a good feature set. It is certainly not perfect, but even at full price it is a good deal for what you get. It is NOT a top-of-the-line gaming rig but it's not marketed as such. If you want a good well-rounded machine, give this one some consideration.

Display problmes and no software
This was my first Sony laptop purchase after buying from Toshiba and Dell in the past. My first impression was very positive but shortly after I noticed flickering in the display. After a couple of days the display got worse, with the flickering increasing in frequency. I then spent the better part of a day trying to work out the problems with Sony tech support. After trying everything they suggested I now have to send it for repairs.

This is also the first time I've purchased a computer and didn't receive software re-install CD/DVD's.